Chentronics GT Control System

Inspection, Test and Maintenance procedures focused on reducing ignition faults are common practice and new ignition technologies and advancements in ignition technology are reshaping how to reduce ignition fault occurrence.

Ignition fault prevention is costly due to replacing aging equipment, or more commonly replacing equipment before it reaches end-of-life. As the main active component of gas turbine start-up; ignitor tips (sometimes referred to as tips or lances) and exciters or transformers that transmit energy to create the spark are also the first component to be replaced in the event of a failed start or test start-up sequence.

An igniter tip is expected to wear over its service period and ought to be replaced when it near end-of-life. For turbines with igniters located in hard-to-reach areas or compensating with many igniters, early replacement of igniter tips amounts to excessive cost as a trade-off for reducing the risk of ignition faults.

Chentronics HEI Systems for Gas Turbines self-monitor tip wear, so igniter tips can be replaced before an ignition fault occurs. They also self-check for normal operation, include indicator lights on the exciter, and can be wired to the Distributed Control System (DCS) giving the operator all the information they need to both ensure proper function, and plan service around ignitor tip near end-of-life signalling.

While global energy needs evolve around shifting balances between renewables, traditional fuels, and emerging technologies; preventing ignition faults remains top of mind. Understanding and implementing emerging technologies and continually improving operations to minimize risk and reduce the impact of maintenance are key to gas turbine operations.